From Publishers Weekly
What Tavares's (Zachary's Ball) monochrome art for this famous poem may lack in seasonal palette, it more than makes up for in authenticity. The artist pays homage to the original text, incorporating the spellings and phrasings of 1823, the year in which the verse first appeared in a Troy, N.Y., newspaper. Stark yet lushly textured pencil drawings, recalling the work of Chris Van Allsburg, capture the mystery, surprise and anticipation of what many children consider the most magical night of the year. The finely wrought portraits and shadowy, snow-covered Victorian setting will enchant. Ages 5-up.
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
PreS-Gr. 2. A search on Amazon for "Night before Christmas" turns up a total of 216 hits, with versions from Rugrats to Cajun to a series that goes state by state. This handsome new edition with evocative pencil illustrations will satisfy those looking for a low-key, very traditional treatment of the old Christmas rhyme. Tavares says in an introduction that he used the exact version of the poem as it was first published, and in keeping with the work's original place and time, the house is filled with Dickensian-era detail. The paper's texture comes through to give the illustrations a tactile feeling, and the use of light shining from clear directions and the unusual perspectives are reminiscent of Chris Van Allsburg's pencil work. Although not a must-buy, this is a fine choice for libraries needing another version of the classic story.
Susan Dove LempkeCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.